Leicester City’s England duo Ben Chilwell and James Maddison are expected to be on the bench for the Three Lions’ Euro 2020 qualifier against Bulgaria on Saturday.

Despite starting six of England’s last eight games, Chilwell will make way for Spurs’ Danny Rose at Wembley, Sky Sports have reported.

And City’s other England star, Maddison, will have to wait for his senior international debut, with the attacking midfielder also expected to be among the substitutes as Gareth Southgate opts for experience.

Maddison created more chances than any other Premier League player last season, and this term he is second among Englishmen, behind only Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Read More

But Chilwell is the more surprising exclusion, given his good form for England over the past year.

Despite competing for a shirt with Rose, Chilwell said the pair get on well, and spent time together over the summer after bumping into the Spurs defender while on holiday with Dele Alli.

“Me and Rosey get on really well,” Chilwell said. “We saw each other in the summer on holiday and spent a few days together.

“I'm sure that is the same for the guys in the other positions. Obviously it is very competitive when we are training and we are fighting for the same shirt and I think that is a good thing.

Ben Chilwell replaces Danny Rose for his England debut

“There is a lot of quality in each position and that brings the best out of everyone in training and makes it hard for the manager to pick a team because everyone is putting in so much. It is very competitive but away from football we are all very good mates.”

England are aiming to keep up their 100 per cent record in qualifying at Wembley (5pm kick-off) after thrashing Czech Republic 5-0 and Montenegro 5-1 in March.

Bulgaria have just two points from their four qualifiers so far, but Southgate is playing safe with his team selection.

Both Jordan Henderson and Declan Rice will reportedly be deployed in sitting midfield roles, with Ross Barkley supporting a front three of Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford and Harry Kane.

Read More

At the back, Rose and new Atletico Madrid signing Kieran Trippier will play at full-back, with former City centre-back Harry Maguire partnered by Michael Keane or Joe Gomez. Jordan Pickford is in goal.

Southgate said: “The competition for places is a great thing for us. As a coach, that's an enjoyable problem to have."